Lactide-glycolide polymers as nano-dimensional carriers for drugs

Biodegradable polymer poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) as drug-carriers has been a preferred candidate in recent years for developing controlled/sustained release drug delivery systems especially of nano-dimensions due to the favourable physico-chemical characteristics and varieties available of the polymer. Efforts have been in progress to develop nanocarriers based on the polymer to maximise the bio-availability and efficacy of conventional/new extensively versatile drug molecules with minimum side-effects, provide pre-programmed drug release, prolonged duration of drug action and deliver drug at the site of action. This review describes recent work utilising biodegradable polymer poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) for controlled drug delivery, focusing on nanoparticulate delivery systems to shed lights on the present status and advancement of research on nanoformulations with this biodegradable synthetic polymer, mechanism of their cellular uptake and their safety concern. The review highlights the characteristics of the polymers in context to nanoparticles and updates the progress of research in the field in an abridged manner.